Retail

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Edmunds.com analysts expect sales efforts in conjunction with Presidents' Day should push new-vehicle sales figures for February to a much stronger level than those recorded during the same month last year. But the site's apprehension stems from questioning the importance that one particular weekend could have on the entire month's sales performance. [Read More]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Toyota's generous incentives appear to be giving the automaker a significant sales performance boost, according to Edmunds.com. Site analysts believe Toyota's March sales figures should climb a whopping 82 percent as compared to February. The automaker's incentives include zero-percent APR financing for up to 60 months for qualified buyers on 2010 Avalon, […] [Read More]

ERLANGER, Ky. — Toyota on Thursday continued to bolster its quality-control initiatives by announcing the formation of a North American Quality Task Force. This group is meant to guide the implementation of regional improvements and work closely with the Special Committee for Global Quality led by Toyota president Akio Toyoda. This new task force will be […] [Read More]

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — J.D. Power and Associates believes the ongoing metamorphosis of the auto industry into a completely global venture could produce more situations like the combined effort of Chrysler and Fiat. A firm expert who concentrates on analysis from a global perspective sees more joint ventures and collaboration in order for automakers to thrive […] [Read More]

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — March sales have been an unexpected surprise for the auto industry, according to Matt Traylen, chief economist and client partner with ALG. In addition to retail sales climbing, leasing levels are expected to come in above last year's March level as well, he noted. "March sales have been an unexpected boost to […] [Read More]

DEARBORN, Mich. — On Wednesday, Ford commemorated another milestone for its SYNC voice-controlled communications and infotainment system, while also sharing the resale benefits the platform offers. Ford said that the SYNC system was recently set up in the 2 millionth vehicle. Just 10 months ago, Ford celebrated SYNC reaching the 1 million unit milestone.  About 10 […] [Read More]

HENDERSON, Nev. — The Findlay Automotive Group will transition the last of its Saturn dealerships into a different franchise operation at the end of March. Group executives said Saturn of Henderson will become Findlay Lincoln Mercury as of April 1. The group's decision to switch brands at a former Saturn location continues the pattern officials started when General […] [Read More]

LOCKPORT, N.Y. — Charles Heinrich, the president and chief executive officer of Heinrich Chevrolet, may soon add another title to his name: Guinness Book of World Records winner. The Buffalo, N.Y., area dealer was recently spotlighted on General Motors' Faces of GM blog. On the blog he shared some of his background, success strategies, personal interests and, […] [Read More]

CINCINNATI — Pushed by increased leasing activity among the same domestic automakers that got out of the segment in fall 2008, interestingly enough, the overall lease penetration rate for this year is projected to reach between 18 and 25 percent. In fact, some market segments can expect to see rates up to 40 percent, according to Swapalease.com. […] [Read More]

TROLLHATTAN, Sweden — Saab Automobile has officially built its first units in its "new era" as an independent company. The automaker resumed production Wednesday at its Trollhattan, Sweden, plant. In commemoration, Saab chief executive officer Jan Ake Jonsson, along with Spyker Cars CEO Victor Muller and Trollhattan plant director Gunnar Brunius, joined workers along the assembly […] [Read More]